Sensory Strategies

OT Time!

Sensory Strategies

Different types of activities can help with different types of sensory modulation difficulties: seeking/craving, over-responsiveness, under responsiveness

Heavy Work activities often help those with sensory seeking/craving behaviors, can have a calming or alerting effect

Sensory Calming activities typically help those with sensory over-responsive or sensory seeking/craving behaviors.

Sensory Alerting activities usually help those with sensory under-responsive behaviors.

Give these activities a try at home to aid in your child’s self-regulation!

Heavy Work Activities

Helping in kitchen

Mix/stir

Roll out dough

Gather supplies

Wipe down table

Daily chores

Take out trash

Carry grocery bags

Vacuum/dust

Weighted blankets

Spandex (tight fitted clothes)

Read a book in a bean bag chair

Jump on a trampoline

Ride a bike with a helmet

Push/pull a loaded wagon

Swings and playground equipment (monkey bars)

Bean bag squishes

Throw/catch heavy items

Fidget toys (squeeze ball/putty)

Eating crunchy, chewy foods

Sliding

Rolling down a hill

* Many of these activities can be a naturally occurring part of your child’s day. The activity itself should be short (5-10 minutes), occurring every 1 ½ - 2 hours.

Sensory Calming Activities

Noise cancelling headphones

Dim lighting

Warm bath

Deep pressure, such as bear hugs and massages

Weighted blankets or stuffed animals

Stretching

Slow, rhythmic movements (i.e., rocking chair)

Smelling “calm” smells (i.e., vanilla)

Sucking through straws

Laying in a bean bag chair

Squeezing a stress ball or playdough

Hiding in a fort

Fidget toys

Joint compression activities (i.e., finger pulling)

White noise or quiet music with a steady beat

Sensory “calming” bottles

Yoga

Sensory Alerting Activities

Cold drinks

Crunchy and/or sour foods

Bright lighting

Loud, fast-paced music

Movement activities (i.e., jumping, running, climbing)

Jumping on a trampoline

Bouncing on a therapy ball

Controlled spinning

Walking on an uneven surface

Vibrations on the arm, hand, or back

Playing with messy textures

REMEMBER:

Every child is different! What may work for one child may not work for another. It is important to trial several strategies in order to find what works best for your child. Do not become discouraged if a specific strategy does not help!